Recording, Modeling and Visualization of Cultural Heritage

Book excerpt: This book deals with the recording, modelling and visualization of cultural heritage (anthropogenic objects and natural scenes) and related processes. The areas discussed include data acquisition, using a variety of sensors (mainly optical sensors and laser scanners); platforms and mobile systems; data management and Spatial Information Systems; 3D modeling; and reconstruction, visualization and animation; Virtual and Augmented Reality, including innovative software and hardware systems; applications and interdisciplinary projects. A central focus is the development of methods for automated data processing. The aim of the workshop was to survey recent developments, trends, and new approaches and to bring together the various heterogeneous groups active in cultural heritage (sponsors, archaeologists and architects, scientists in remote sensing, photogrammetry, computer vision and computer graphics etc.). The involvement of these groups, representing both producers and users of information, allowed a cross-fertilisation and a multidisciplinary treatment of the workshop topics. This book offers a comprehensive selection of high-quality contributions from leading international research institutions and other organisations active in cultural heritage, treating theoretical issues as well as projects and applications and representing the cutting edge of this key subject as presented at the workshop organised by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich at Monte Verità, Ascona, Switzerland on 22-27 May 2005.